Slanted Introducer for End-To-End Anastomosis Anvil

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device including an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis therethrough is presented. The surgical stapling device further includes a handle assembly positionable adjacent the body portion at the proximal end thereof and an introducer assembly positioned at the distal end of the body portion. The introducer assembly includes a sleeve positionable over at least a portion of a shell, the sleeve having a slanted distal end configured to receive a slanted membrane thereon.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument for applyingsurgical fasteners or staples to body tissue, and more particularly, toan introducer assembly for use with an end-to-end anastomosis staplingapparatus.

2. Background of Related Art

Anastomosis is a surgical joining of separate hollow organ sections.Typically, an anastomosis procedure follows surgery in which a diseasedor defective section of hollow tissue is removed and the remaining endsections are joined. Depending on the desired anastomosis procedure, theend sections may be joined by either circular, end-to-end orside-to-side organ reconstruction methods.

In a circular anastomosis procedure, the two ends of the organ sectionsare joined by means of a stapling instrument which drives a circulararray of staples through the end section of each organ section andsimultaneously cores any tissue interior of the driven circular array ofstaples to free the tubular passage. Typically, these instrumentsinclude an elongated shaft having a handle portion at a proximal end toactuate the instrument and a staple holding component disposed at adistal end. An anvil assembly including an anvil shaft with attachedanvil head is mounted to the distal end adjacent the staple holdingcomponent. Opposed end sections of the organ to be stapled are clampedbetween the anvil head and the staple holding component. The clampedtissue is stapled by driving a plurality of staples from the stapleholding component so that the ends of the staples pass through thetissue and are deformed by the anvil head.

In use, one end section of the organ is secured about the anvil assemblyand the other end section of the organ is held in place adjacent thestaple holding component. The shaft of the anvil assembly is removablyconnected to the instrument. Once the anvil shaft is secured to theinstrument, the anvil is drawn into close approximation to the stapleholding component. The instrument is then fired to cause the staples topass through tissue of both sections of the organ and deform against theanvil. During the firing step, a circular knife is advanced to cuttissue inside the staple line, thereby establishing a passage betweenthe two sections of the organ. After firing, the instrument is typicallyremoved by withdrawing the anvil through the staple line, after whichthe surgeon carefully inspects the surgical site to ensure a properanastomosis has been achieved.

While circular staplers are helpful in a number of surgical procedures,problems such as anastomotic leak, tear of tissue during staplerextraction, bleeding, and other complications may arise. Another issuerelates to the contamination of the circular stapler.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the claimed subjectmatter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of theclaimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of theclaimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scopeof the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present someconcepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a preludeto the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling deviceincludes an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distalend, and defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, a handle assemblypositionable adjacent the body portion at the proximal end thereof andan introducer assembly positioned at the distal end of the body portion.The introducer assembly includes a sleeve positionable over at least aportion of a shell, the sleeve having a slanted distal end configured toreceive a slanted membrane thereto.

In an embodiment, a releaser component is positioned between the sleeveand the shell, the releaser component including a plurality of outwardlyprotruding tabs circumferentially disposed thereon and a plurality ofcables circumferentially attached thereto.

In another embodiment, a portion of the releaser component having theplurality of cables circumferentially attached thereto extends beyond aproximal end of the sleeve. When a force is applied to the plurality ofcables, the releaser component is slidingly displaced along thelongitudinal axis of the body portion to remove the sleeve from theshell. In other words, the plurality of outwardly protruding tabs of thereleaser component are lifted to disengage the slanted sleeve from theshell during retraction of the slanted sleeve.

In yet another embodiment, the sleeve includes a plurality of firstslots and a plurality of second slots circumferentially disposed at aproximal end thereof.

The plurality of second slots are configured to cooperate with aplurality of respective sleeve tabs extending therethrough, theplurality of sleeve tabs configured to secure the sleeve to the shell.

In another embodiment, the plurality of sleeve tabs are forward facingtabs disposed at one end of the sleeve and rearward facing tabs disposedat the other end of the sleeve such that the sleeve moves longitudinallyor axially within a predetermined region defined by a distance betweenthe forward facing and backward facing tabs.

The plurality of first slots are configured to cooperate with theplurality of outwardly protruding tabs of the releaser component.

In yet another embodiment, the shell includes at least one grooveextending circumferentially therearound for allowing the shell torotate. Alternatively, the shell includes a plurality of groovescircumferentially disposed in equally spaced apart intervals thereon forinhibiting the shell from rotating.

In another embodiment, the slanted membrane includes a slit extending alength of the slanted membrane.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, thereis provided an introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes ashell, a sleeve configured to be inserted over at least a portion of theshell and a release mechanism configured to be positioned between theshell and the sleeve.

In an embodiment, the sleeve is a slanted sleeve configured to receive aslanted membrane having a slit thereto.

In another embodiment, the release mechanism includes a plurality ofoutwardly protruding tabs circumferentially disposed thereon and aplurality of cables circumferentially attached thereto.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the presentdisclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosurewill become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device including anintroducer sleeve distally disposed thereof, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an area of detail of FIG. 1 depicting a perspective view ofthe introducer sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is an area of detail of FIG. 2 depicting a releaser tabprotruding from a slot in the introducer sleeve, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shell, release component,and introducer sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shell of FIG. 4 illustrating aplurality of grooves circumferentially extending around the shell, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of FIG. 5, where the body portion ofthe shell includes two circumferential channels, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the introducer sleeve of FIG. 4, withthe membrane shown detached from the introducer sleeve, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. 7, with the membrane attached tothe introducer sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the introducer sleeve illustratingthe plurality of tabs of the shell extending from the plurality of slotsof the introducer sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the release component of FIG. 4,illustrating a plurality of tabs used to retract the introducer sleeve,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front, cross-sectional view, along section line 11-11 ofFIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a front, cross-sectional view, along section line 12-12 ofFIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, along section line 13-13 of FIG. 11,of the introducer sleeve cooperating with the release component and theshell, such that either the proximal tabs or the distal tabs engage theplurality of grooves in the shell to inhibit the sleeve from sliding, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, along section line 14-14 of FIG. 12,of the introducer sleeve cooperating with the release component and theshell, such that either the proximal tabs or the distal tabs engage theplurality of grooves in the shell to inhibit the sleeve from sliding, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the introducer sleeve locked inplace to the shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the activation of the releasecomponent to enable the sleeve to be unlocked from the shell, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is an area of detail of FIG. 16 depicting the release mechanismlifting the proximal tab of the sleeve, such that the sleeve disengagesthe shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates the releaser tabs not yet reaching the end of theslots of the sleeve until after the sleeve tabs disengage from theplurality of grooves of the shell, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates, along section line 19-19 of FIG. 12, the releasertabs reaching the end of the slots of the sleeve and pushing the sleeveoff the shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 is an area of detail of FIG. 19, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates, along section line 21-21 of FIG. 11, the sleeve inthe retracted position being forced out by the releaser mechanism, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates, along section line 22-22 of FIG. 12, the sleeve inthe retracted position being forced out by the releaser mechanism, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 23 illustrates an anvil assembly inserted through the introducerassembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict preferred embodiments of the present disclosure forpurposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readilyrecognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments ofthe structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed withoutdeparting from the principles of the present disclosure describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, in which like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews. As used herein, the term “distal,” as is conventional, will referto that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or componentthereof which is farther from the user while, the term “proximal,” willrefer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or componentthereof which is closer to the user. In the following description,well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail toavoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. The word “example” may be usedinterchangeably with the term “exemplary.”

Reference to embodiments of the present disclosure will now be made indetail. While certain embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theembodiments of the present disclosure to those described embodiments. Tothe contrary, reference to embodiments of the present disclosure isintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments will be described below while referencing the accompanyingfigures. The accompanying figures are merely examples and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surgical stapling device 10configured for use with a tilt anvil assembly 2300 (see FIG. 23).Briefly, surgical stapling device 10 includes a proximal handle assembly12, an elongated central body portion 14 including a curved elongatedouter tube 14 a, and a sleeve 16. Alternately, in some surgicalprocedures, e.g., the treatment of hemorrhoids, it is desirable to havea substantially straight, shortened, central body portion. The length,shape and/or the diameter of body portion 14 and sleeve 16 may also bevaried to suit a particular surgical procedure.

With further reference to FIG. 1, handle assembly 12 includes astationary handle 18, a firing trigger 20, a rotatable approximationknob 22 and an indicator 24. A pivotally mounted trigger lock 26 isfastened to handle assembly 12 and is manually positioned to inhibitinadvertent firing of stapling device 10. Indicator 24 is positioned onthe stationary handle 18 and includes indicia, e.g., color coding,alpha-numeric labeling, etc., to identify to a surgeon whether thedevice is approximated and is ready to be fired. Sleeve 16 cooperateswith a shell assembly 31, which will be described in detail below.

Handle assembly 12 may be actuated to approximate anvil assembly 2300(see FIG. 23) relative to a staple cartridge assembly (not shown) and toapply a pair of annular arrays of staples (not shown) through tissue. Inorder to properly position tissue in anvil assembly 2300, rotatable knob22 may be rotated to move anvil assembly 2300 axially relative to staplecartridge assembly between a spaced apart position and an approximatedposition in which anvil assembly 2300 is positioned adjacent staplecartridge assembly to clamp tissue therebetween. Handle members 18, 20may be squeezed to fire staples through tissue. Moreover, elongated bodyportion 14 is constructed to have a slightly curved/bent shape along itslength. However, elongated body portion 14 may also be straight, as wellas flexible to bend to any configuration. The length, shape and/or thediameter of elongated body portion 14 may be varied to suit a particularsurgical procedure.

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the introducer sleeve 16, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is presented.

The introducer sleeve 16 includes a membrane 17 disposed on a distal endthereof. The membrane 17 includes a slit 19 extending the diameter ofthe membrane 17. The proximal end of the sleeve 16 is at least partiallypositioned over a shell 31. A releaser component 35 is placed betweenthe sleeve 16 and the shell 31. The releaser component 35 includes aplurality of cables 33 connected at a distal end thereof. Referring toFIG. 3, an enlarged view of a releaser tab 39 protruding from a slot 40in the introducer sleeve 16, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure is presented.

In one exemplary embodiment, the introducer sleeve 16 is slanted. Assuch, the membrane 17 is also slanted in order to engage the distal endof the sleeve 16. Stated differently, the distal end of the sleeve 16and the membrane 17 may be oblique, tilted, angled or non-level withrespect to axis “X.”

Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded perspective view of the shell 31,release component 35, and introducer sleeve 16, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure is presented.

As noted above with reference to FIG. 2, the sleeve 16 is positionedover the releaser component 35, which in turn is positioned over theshell 31. In particular, a portion of the sleeve 16 is placed over thereleaser component 35, and a portion of the releaser component 35 isplaced over the shell 31.

The releaser component 35 includes a body member 37 having a pluralityof protrusions 36 extending therefrom. The plurality of protrusions 36may be triangular in nature to form a series of teeth. A distal end ofeach of the plurality of protrusions 36 includes an opening 32 foraccommodating one end of a cable 33. The body member 37 may be acircular member that includes circumferentially and equally spaced apartopenings 38. A releaser tab 39 may engage at least one side of each ofthe spaced apart openings 38.

The sleeve 16 includes a plurality of distal openings 44 and a pluralityof proximal openings 46. Each of the plurality of distal openings 44includes a tab 45 protruding from at least one side therefrom. Each ofthe plurality of proximal openings 46 includes a tab 47 protruding fromat least one side therefrom. The plurality of distal openings 44circumferentially envelop a distal area or region of the sleeve 16,whereas the plurality of proximal openings 46 circumferentially envelopa proximal area or region of the sleeve 16. The plurality of distalopenings 44 and the plurality of proximal openings 46 are shown to havea square shape. Of course, one skilled in the art may contemplate aplurality of different shapes and sizes for such openings 44, 46. Aplurality of slots 40 is circumferentially positioned around amid-portion of the sleeve 16, such that the slots 40 are disposedbetween the plurality of distal openings 44 and the plurality ofproximal openings 46. The plurality of slots 40 are shown to have arectangular shape. Of course, one skilled in the art may contemplate aplurality of different shapes and sizes for such slots 40. Additionally,it is noted that the plurality of distal openings 44 are radially spacedwith respect to the plurality of proximal openings 46. Also, theplurality of distal openings 44 and the plurality of proximal openings46 are off-centered with respect to the plurality of slots 40.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the shell 31 of FIG. 4illustrating a plurality of grooves 50 circumferentially extendingaround the shell 31, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is presented. The body 56 of the shell 31 includes a proximalend 52 and a distal end 54. The body 56 also includes a plurality ofgrooves 50 extending circumferentially around the body 56 at a midpointof the body 56. The body 56 further includes a channel or ridge 57extending circumferentially around the body 56 at the distal end 54. Theplurality of grooves 50 inhibit the sleeve 16 from rotating once thesleeve 16 engages the shell 31. Additionally, the channel 57 inhibitsthe sleeve 16 from extending or moving beyond the distal end 54 of theshell 31. In other words, the channel 57 locks or secures the shell 31to the sleeve 16.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of FIG. 5, where the bodyportion of the shell 31 a includes two circumferential channels 58 a, 58b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure ispresented. In FIG. 6, the body 56 a of the shell 31 a includes aproximal end 52 a and a distal end 54 a. The body 56 a also includes afirst channel 58 a extending circumferentially around the body 56 a at amidpoint of the body 56 and a second channel 58 b extendingcircumferentially around the body 56 a at the distal end 54 a. Thesecond channel 58 b inhibits the sleeve 16 from rotating once the sleeve16 engages the shell 31. The first channel 58 a inhibits the sleeve 16from extending beyond the distal end 54 a of the shell 31 a. In otherwords, the first channel 58 a locks or secures the shell 31 a to thesleeve 16.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the introducer sleeve 16 ofFIG. 4, with the membrane 17 shown detached from the introducer sleeve16, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure ispresented. Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of FIG. 7, with themembrane 17 attached to the introducer sleeve 16, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure is presented.

In the exploded view of FIG. 7, the sleeve 16 includes a distal end 25and a proximal end 27. The distal end 25 is slanted or oblique or angledwith respect to longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 8) extending through thesleeve 31. The distal end 25 is configured to receive or engage amembrane 17. The membrane 17 is also slanted or oblique or angled inorder to fit over the distal end 25 of the sleeve 16. The angle of themembrane 17 with respect to a longitudinal axis “X” extendingtherethrough may be anywhere between 10° degrees and 120° degrees. Inthe exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the angle is at 45° degreeswith respect to the longitudinal axis “X.” It is contemplated that themembrane need not be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The proximal end 27 of the sleeve 16 is configured to engage shell 31,as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the assembledview of FIG. 8, the membrane 17 is connected to or mounted to orcooperates with the distal end 25 of the sleeve 16. The membrane 17includes a slit 19. The slit 19 is shown in a straight configurationextending the length of the membrane 17. However, one skilled in the artmay contemplate a plurality of different shapes and sizes for the slit19. In addition, there may be more than one slit.

The membrane 17 is adapted and dimensioned to keep the end-to-endanastomosis (EEA) instrument clean from debris collected at the surgicalsite. The membrane 17 may be formed from a plurality of differentelastic or elastomeric materials. The membrane 17 may be formed from anyflexible and may include natural or synthetic fibers such as plastic,rubber, glass, or metal. Additionally, the membrane 17 may be abio-absorbable or non-absorbable material, pad of material, compositematerials, materials including fibers, collagen or other materialsderived from natural tissue.

Referring to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view of the introducer sleeve 16illustrating the plurality of tabs 45, 47 of the shell 31 extending fromthe plurality of openings 44, 46 of the introducer sleeve 16, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is presented.Referring to FIG. 10, a perspective view of the release component 35 ofFIG. 4, illustrating a plurality of tabs 39 used to retract theintroducer sleeve 16, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is presented.

As mentioned above, with reference to FIG. 4, there are three types ofopenings or slots defined across the surface of sleeve 16. The sleeve 16includes a plurality of distal openings 44 and a plurality of proximalopenings 46. The sleeve 16 also includes a plurality of slots 40positioned between the plurality of distal openings 44 and a pluralityof proximal openings 46. The plurality of slots 40 cooperate with aplurality of releaser tabs 39 of the releaser component 35, as shown inFIG. 10. The plurality of distal tabs 45 inhibit the sleeve 16 fromsliding off the releaser component 35 and the shell 31 in a direction“A,” as shown in FIG. 9. The plurality of proximal tabs 47 inhibit thesleeve 16 from sliding off the releaser component 35 and the shell 31 ina direction “B,” as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the releaser component 35 isconfigured to travel in a region “R,” as illustrated in FIG. 9. In otherwords, the tabs 39 of the releaser component 35 move in slots 40 ofsleeve 16 such that the plurality of distal tabs 44 limit movement ofthe releaser component 35 in direction “A,” whereas the tabs 39 of thereleaser component 35 move in slots 40 of sleeve 16 such that theplurality of proximal tabs 46 limit movement of the releaser component35 in direction “B.” As noted in FIG. 9, the distalmost end 41 of theslot 40 is aligned with the distal tab 45, whereas the proximalmost end43 of the slot 40 is aligned with the proximal tab 47.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, front, cross-sectional views 60 a, 60b of the introducer sleeve 16 cooperating with the release component 35,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure arepresented.

FIG. 11 depicts the cross-sectional view 60 a of the shell 31, where thetabs 47 protrude from the proximal openings 46, whereas FIG. 12 depictsthe cross-sectional view 60 b of the shell 31, where the sleeve 16 hasbeen inserted over the shell 31. The tabs 39 of the releaser component35 move within slots 40 of the sleeve 16 such that the plurality ofproximal tabs 46 limit the movement of the releaser component 35. FIG.12 clearly illustrates the interaction between the tabs 39 and the slots40 of the sleeve 16.

With reference to FIGS. 13-14, perspective views 1300, 1400 of theintroducer sleeve 16 cooperating with the release component 35 and theshell 31, such that either the proximal tabs 46 or the distal tabs 45engage the plurality of grooves 58 a, b in the shell 31 to inhibit thesleeve 16 from sliding are presented.

In FIG. 13, the proximal tabs 47 engage individual grooves 58 b in theshell 31 to inhibit the sleeve 16 from sliding back during insertiononto the shell 31. In FIG. 14, the distal tabs 45 engage the individualgrooves 58 a in the shell 31 to inhibit the sleeve from sliding forward.In other words, the proximal tabs 47 and the distal tabs 45 are adaptedand dimensioned to maintain longitudinal movement of the shell 31 withina predetermined range, as defined in FIG. 9, by region “R.” Thus, themovement of the shell 31 is confined within the slot 40 of the sleeve16.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view 1500 of the introducer sleeve 16 locked inplace to the shell 31, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, whereas FIG. 16 is a perspective view 1600 of the activationof the release component 35 to enable the sleeve 16 to be unlocked fromthe shell 31, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In FIG. 15, the releaser tabs 39 contact or cooperate with the slot 40of the sleeve 16. The releaser tab 39 slowly and steadily disengagesfrom the slot 40 of the sleeve 16 by applying a force, “F,” to releasercables 33. The releaser cables 33 are connected to the body 37 of thereleaser component 35, which in turn includes the releaser tabs 39. InFIG. 16, the force “F” is substantial enough to bias the releasercomponent 35 to the right, such that the releaser tab 39 also is forcedto move to the right to disengage the slot 40 of the sleeve 16. At thispoint, in FIGS. 15 and 16, the disengagement has not yet occurred. FIG.17 illustrates such point.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view 1700 of the release mechanism lifting theproximal tab 47 of the sleeve 16, such that the sleeve 16 disengages theshell 31, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG. 17, the distal end of the releaser component 35 slides to theright, in a direction “B,” such that the releaser component 35 pushes orbiases the proximal tab 47 in an upward direction, indicated by arrow,“C.” The proximal tab 47 extends upward past the opening 46 to allow thereleaser component 35 to be removed from the shell 31 and the introducersleeve 16. Thus, the releaser component 35 begins to move proximallysuch that the sleeve tabs 39 are finally disengaged from the grooves 58a, b of the shell 31.

FIG. 18 illustrates a view 1800 where the releaser tabs 39 have not yetreached the end of the slots 40 of the sleeve 16 until after thereleaser tabs 39 disengage from the plurality of grooves 58 a, 58 b ofthe shell 31. For example, at the bottom portion of FIG. 18, it is shownthat the releaser tab 39 has moved more than halfway through the slots40 toward the right, in direction “B.” FIG. 19 illustrates a view 1900where the releaser tabs 39 reach the end (proximalmost end) of the slots40 of the sleeve 16 (direction “D”) and push the sleeve 16 off the shell31. FIG. 20 is an enlarged view 2000 of FIG. 19, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, clearly showing the releaser tab39 moving in a direction “D” and contacting the proximalmost end of theslot 40 of the sleeve 16.

FIGS. 21-22 illustrate the sleeve 16 in the refracted position beingforced out by the releaser mechanism 35, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 21, a view 2100 of the topportion of the releaser component 35 slidably engaging the proximal tab47 is presented, which has been pushed outward by the release component35. Additionally, the releaser component 35 has been disengaged from theplurality of grooves 58 a, 58 b of the shell 31. In FIG. 22, a view 2200of the entire top portion of the releaser component 35 having slid pastthe proximal tab 47 is shown, such that the proximal tab 47 assumes itsinitial unbiased position. The releaser component 35 has now beencompletely removed from being lodged between the shell 31 and theintroducer sleeve 16.

FIG. 23 illustrates an anvil assembly 2300 inserted through theintroducer assembly 16, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 23, an anvil 2310 is inserted through the slit 19 ofthe membrane 17 of the sleeve 16. Additionally, as shown a portion ofthe shell 31 extends through the slit 19 of the membrane 17 of thesleeve 16. The anvil 2310 may mechanically cooperate with the shell 31in order to advance through the slit 19 of the membrane 17 of the sleeve16.

Therefore, in operation or use, in the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, a slanted introducer 16 is presented for aiding inthe insertion of an EEA device. The exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure include a slanted sleeve 16 that has a slanted membrane 17mounted thereto to keep the device clean and free of debris during, forexample, a surgical procedure. The sleeve 16 includes at least two setsof tabs 45, 47. One set of tabs faces forward (distal end) 45 andanother set of tabs faces backward (proximal end) 47. The tabs 45, 47lock with the grooves 58 a, b of the shell 31 in order to inhibit thesleeve 16 from traveling during insertion of the EEA device. Once theEEA device is inserted to the desired location, the sleeve 16 may beretracted back through the membrane 17 by pulling on the cables 33attached to the releaser component 35. When the releaser component 35 ispulled back, it contacts or engages the tabs 45, 47 to lift the tabs 45,47, thus releasing the sleeve 16 from the shell 31. The releasercomponent 35 may also include tabs that are accommodated within slots 40on the sleeve 16, so that the tabs push against the sleeve 16 to retractthe sleeve 16 when the sleeve 16 is pulled. As a result, the EEA deviceis inhibited from accumulating contaminants during its travel through abody cavity, thus keeping the staple line clean. Additionally, theslanted sleeve 16 provides a nice gradual ramp to aid navigation throughthe body cavity.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve has a cylindrical shape with aslanted end, and the membrane has a slanted surface. In any of theembodiments disclosed herein, the membrane and/or sleeve can have othershapes such as a bullet-shape or a curvilinear shape.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of presently disclosed embodiments. Thus the scope ofthe embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The featuresillustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment maybe combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modificationsand variations are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciatefurther features and advantages of the present disclosure based on theabove-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is notto be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, exceptas indicated by the appended claims.

1. A surgical stapling device, comprising: an elongated body portionhaving a proximal end and a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axistherethrough; a handle assembly positionable adjacent the body portionat the proximal end thereof; and an introducer assembly positioned atthe distal end of the body portion, the introducer assembly including asleeve positionable over at least a portion of a shell, the sleevehaving a slanted distal end configured to receive a slanted membranethereon.
 2. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein areleaser component is positioned between the sleeve and the shell, thereleaser component including a plurality of outwardly protruding tabscircumferentially disposed thereon and a plurality of cablescircumferentially attached thereto.
 3. The surgical stapling deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein a portion of the releaser component havingthe plurality of cables circumferentially attached thereon extendsbeyond a proximal end of the sleeve.
 4. The surgical stapling deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein when a force is applied to the pluralityof cables, the releaser component is slidingly displaced along thelongitudinal axis of the body portion to remove the sleeve from theshell.
 5. The surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein theplurality of outwardly protruding tabs of the releaser component arelifted to disengage the slanted sleeve from the shell during retractionof the slanted sleeve.
 6. The surgical stapling device according toclaim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a plurality of first slots and aplurality of second slots circumferentially disposed at a proximal endthereof.
 7. The surgical stapling device according to claim 6, whereinthe plurality of second slots are configured to cooperate with aplurality of respective sleeve tabs extending therethrough, theplurality of sleeve tabs configured to secure the sleeve to the shell.8. The surgical stapling device according to claim 7, wherein theplurality of sleeve tabs are forward facing tabs disposed at one end ofthe sleeve and rearward facing tabs disposed at the other end of thesleeve such that the sleeve moves longitudinally within a predeterminedregion defined by a distance between the forward facing and backwardfacing tabs.
 9. The surgical stapling device according to claim 6,wherein the plurality of first slots are configured to cooperate withthe plurality of outwardly protruding tabs of the releaser component.10. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the shellincludes at least one groove extending circumferentially therearound forallowing the shell to rotate.
 11. The surgical stapling device accordingto claim 1, wherein the shell includes a plurality of groovescircumferentially disposed in equally spaced apart intervals thereon forinhibiting the shell from rotating.
 12. The surgical stapling deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the slanted membrane includes a slitextending a length of the slanted membrane.
 13. An introducer assembly,comprising: a shell; a sleeve configured to be inserted over at least aportion of the shell; and a release mechanism configured to bepositioned between the shell and the sleeve.
 14. The introducer assemblyaccording to claim 13, wherein the sleeve is a slanted sleeve configuredto receive a slanted membrane having a slit thereon.
 15. The introducerassembly according to claim 13, wherein the release mechanism includes aplurality of outwardly protruding tabs circumferentially disposedthereon and a plurality of cables circumferentially attached thereon.16. The introducer assembly according to claim 15, wherein a portion ofthe release mechanism having the plurality of cables circumferentiallyattached thereto extends beyond a proximal end of the sleeve.
 17. Theintroducer assembly according to claim 15, wherein when a force isapplied to the plurality of cables, the release mechanism is slidinglydisplaced to remove the sleeve from the shell.
 18. The introducerassembly according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of outwardlyprotruding tabs of the release mechanism are lifted to disengage thesleeve from the shell during retraction of the sleeve.
 19. Theintroducer assembly according to claim 13, wherein the sleeve includes aplurality of first slots and a plurality of second slotscircumferentially disposed at a proximal end thereof.
 20. The introducerassembly according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of second slotsare configured to cooperate with a plurality of respective sleeve tabsextending therethrough, the plurality of sleeve tabs configured tosecure the sleeve to the shell.
 21. The introducer assembly according toclaim 20, wherein the plurality of sleeve tabs are forward facing tabsdisposed at one end of the sleeve and rearward facing tabs disposed atthe other end of the sleeve such that the sleeve moves longitudinallywithin a predetermined region defined by a distance between the forwardfacing and backward facing tabs.
 22. The introducer assembly accordingto claim 19, wherein the plurality of first slots are configured tocooperate with the plurality of outwardly protruding tabs of the releasemechanism.
 23. The introducer assembly according to claim 13, whereinthe shell includes at least one groove extending circumferentiallytherearound for allowing the shell to rotate.
 24. The introducerassembly according to claim 13, wherein the shell includes a pluralityof grooves circumferentially disposed in equally spaced apart intervalsthereon for inhibiting the shell from rotating.